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about us

InnovationDC brings corporate leaders and visionaries from different fields together to celebrate cross-sector innovation where people, ideas, and technology intersect.

At the core of this movement are curated gatherings—events where those leading innovation in corporations, institutions, and startups can come together to share what works and what doesn't. It's about fostering genuine relationships, learning from each other's experiences, and pushing the envelope on what's possible in innovation.

How to Succeed with Corporate–Startup Partnerships

Jan 29, 2026, 5:30-8 PM
200 Massachusetts Ave, NW 8th Floor, Washington, DC

We're bringing together leaders from both sides of innovation — corporate and startup — for a candid discussion on how to discover the right partners, navigate contracting, and drive meaningful outcomes.

Our panel will feature Jonathan Hartman, Director of Open Innovation at Collins Aerospace; Chris Manzeck, an executive from their strategic partner Spire Weather; and Frances VanderMeer, an investor who helps facilitate introductions between her portfolio companies and corporates — including the startup on this panel.

Join us to learn how collaboration between corporates, startups, and investors can create real, measurable impact.

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Jonathon Hartman
Jonathon Hartman
Director, Open Innovation
Collins Aerospace
Chris Manzeck
Chris Manzeck
Director of Product Management, Weather and Climate
Spire Weather
Frances VanderMeer
Frances VanderMeer
Senior Associate
StepStone Group

Innovating in Today's Government Landscape

May 8, 2025 Panel
Brian Comiskey, Senior Director, Innovation and Trends & Futurist, Consumer Technology Association
Cheryl Ingstad, Deputy Director, Digital Platforms & Developer Ecosystem, Defence Innovation Unit

Innovation in Life Sciences

January 30, 2025 Panel
Elissa Alben, Vice President and Head, Global Innovation and Trade Policy, Pfizer
Parthiban Rajasekaran, PhD, Innovation Lead, Global Innovation & Emerging Sciences, Sanofi
Matt Pietras, CEO, On Demand Pharmaceuticals

Inaugural Event

October 10, 2024 Panel
Leslie Adler, Head of Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Innovation, Hilton
Mohamed Abdel-Kader, Chief Innovation Officer, USAID
Jeff Reid, Director of Entrepreneurship, Georgetown University

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